Kochi: Indulekha was unfazed when the doctors said that there was just 5% chance of survival for her. She isn’t ready to give up yet and is determined to fight her illness. Indulekha makes flowers using newspaper sheets for her visitors in her room at the Amrita Hospital.
“I will go home on foot,” says Indulekha with a smile that evokes confidence. However, her siblings Anil Kumar who is a social worker and Ramani couldn’t smile as they look at Indulekha’s prosthetic legs. The dreaded illness has robbed Indulekha of both her legs. She underwent around 14 small and big surgeries, including one on her spine, until now.
A mother of two, K Indulekha (48) of Kunnumpurathu in Puthankulam, Paravoor, Kollam worked as a tailor. Her daughter Ayana is a plus two student and her son Ainish is in class seven. Indulekha’s illness started as a recurring leg pain after her delivery. She was admitted in Amrita Hospital, in May 2020, for treatment. The surgery to remove the clots in the blood vessels wasn’t a success. She spent the next seven months in the ICU and the ventilator. Meanwhile, both her limbs were amputated. The doctors were able to diagnose her actual illness only in the tests that were conducted after the amputation. Indulekha has a rare medical condition called Antiphospholipid (APLA) Syndrome which is seen only in one in a million. Her house was mortgaged to find the money for her treatment. Until now, the family has spent more than Rs 1 crore for Indulekha’s treatment.
Last year, Indulekha’s mother passed away without knowing the real reason why her daughter’s legs were amputated. Indulekha says that she was distraught not being able to see her mother one last time. It’s been four years since her life was confined to the hospital room. After getting the prosthetic legs, Indulekha tried hard to stand on them. However, now, she is trying to take small steps with the help of others. Indulekha requires help from kind-hearted people to continue her treatment and to ‘walk’ home as she dreams. Phone – 9562953490. Indulekha’s account number – 67254881548, State Bank of India, Chathannoor Branch, IFSC – SBIN0070067.
APLA Syndrome
Antiphospholipid Syndrome mostly affects women between the ages 30 – 40. It is an autoimmune disease with an increased risk of blood clots due to variations in protein levels. This disease will eventually lead to heart attack or loss of the sensitivity of organs. Treatment includes lifelong medication to prevent blood clots.
